Co-op students at the University of Northern British Columbia will benefit from $75,000 in one-time funding, part of a $1.3-million announcement to 16 public post-secondary institutions following the launch of Co-op Week celebrations today.

The funding will provide outreach to leverage more employers to the program and increase awareness of the benefits of co-op placements to potential employers and students. An additional $100,000 will be provided to ACE, the Association for Co-operative Education, a non-profit organization that works with post-secondary institutions in British Columbia that offer co-operative education programs.

Programming in co-op education combines academic studies with paid work experience in career-related fields. Co-op students have opportunities to apply their learning, gain employment-related skills, and make connections with employers, better preparing them for entry into the workforce.

Employers benefit from the energy, fresh ideas, knowledge and skills of co-op students. Co-op placements also provide employers with an opportunity to assess new talent for future recruitment after graduation.

Government support for co-operative education aligns with commitments in the BC Jobs Plan, #BCTech Strategy and B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. Co-op programs are offered across many program areas, including programs leading to the range of occupations needed in the technology sector.

B.C. Co-op Week runs March 14-18, 2016.

Quotes:

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“Co-op programs allow students to get practical experience while they get their education. Once they graduate, they have education and experiential knowledge and are better-prepared to enter the workforce.”

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“Co-op programs provide students with beneficial work place experience and the support they need to be better prepared to enter the work place permanently. Employers benefit from the student's skills and also have a chance to consider them as future employees.”

Daniel Weeks, UNBC president –

“Co-op education is important at UNBC. We welcome the government’s support, as both public and private support of co-op education will ensure that UNBC can strengthen connections between the business community in Northern B.C. and students. These connections will prepare our students for success in their careers and provide them with richer learning opportunities.”

Quick Facts:

• Between now and 2024, British Columbia expects to have almost one million job openings.
• Approximately 42% of job openings will require college education or apprenticeship training.
• 36% will require university and/or significant work experience.
• 18% will require high school and/or occupation-specific training.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

#BCTech Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx

Association for Co-operative Education (ACE): http://www.co-op.bc.ca